Bluetongue meeting set for Shropshire as concerns raised over vaccine availability

A meeting is being held next week for farmers to hear from industry experts about the risk posed by the Bluetongue virus.

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With the peak of this year’s outbreak yet to come, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is hosting a meeting at Shrewsbury Auction Centre on Wednesday, August 26 to allow levy payers the chance to hear from experts from across the industry and to receive timely practical information and support related to the disease.

Dr Mandy Nevel, AHDB Head of Animal Health and Welfare, said: “For many farmers, the current outbreak is no longer a distant concern. It’s happening now, in livestock systems across the country, and we anticipate disease pressure could peak during September.

“Against this backdrop, vaccination remains the single most effective tool available to help protect vulnerable animals. I appreciate vaccination has been the subject of much discussion over recent weeks, with challenges around vaccine availability. Those concerns are understandable. Demand has increased significantly as the outbreak has expanded, creating pressure across the supply chain.

“Despite these difficulties, the key message remains clear: It is not too late to vaccinate.”

It comes as Stuart Anderson, MP for South Shropshire, has voiced his concern about access to Bluetongue vaccine for farmers.

Vaccination is the main tool used to protect livestock from Bluetongue.

However, many farmers in his South Shropshire constituency have told the MP that they are struggling to get hold of the vaccine at a critical time.

Mr Anderson has written to Government Ministers, asking for urgent action to address the shortage and secure future vaccine supplies. The MP said: "South Shropshire is proudly home to many livestock farmers who work tirelessly to put high-quality food on our tables while maintaining the highest standards of animal health and welfare.

"They deserve the confidence that the tools they need to protect their herds and flocks are available when they need them. Having spoken with many farmers across the constituency in recent weeks, I know there is real and growing concern about the current shortage of Bluetongue vaccinations.

"I have raised this with Government Ministers and urged them to address the shortage as a matter of urgency so that local farmers can access the vaccines they need. Right now, our farmers need certainty, not more uncertainty. I will keep pressing Ministers for answers and for action until this is sorted.”

The MP said the campaign is part of his plan to champion farmers in South Shropshire, which includes “raising their voice in Parliament on key issues and securing the funding and support they need to thrive”.